Independence Stadium and Louisiana Tech have a long, successful history together as the Bulldogs have played 71 games in Shreveport, including four trips to the Independence Bowl.

All-time the Bulldogs are 45-23-3 (.655) in games played in Independence Stadium. Northwestern State is the most common opponent for Tech in Shreveport as the two programs met 48 times with the Bulldogs claiming a 34-12-2 mark in those games and a 33-12-2 mark in Independence Stadium.

Although the majority of the games that Tech has played in Shreveport came during the old State Fair Games against Northwestern State, starting in the late '30s and ending in the late '80s, Tech has played some other big-time college football games at the site.

In the last 30 years, Louisiana Tech has faced Houston (1988), Maryland (1990), Baylor (1996), California (1997), Texas A&M (1999 and 2012), Oklahoma State (2002) and Miami (2003) and Northern Illinois (2008) at Independence Stadium. Thrilling last-minute victories against California (41-34) and Oklahoma State (39-36) highlight the Bulldogs' successful history in Shreveport.

In all, Tech has played 19 different teams at Independence Stadium, and the Bulldogs have appeared in four Independence Bowls, beating Louisville 24-14 in 1977, losing 35-13 to East Carolina in 1978, tying Maryland 34-34 in 1990 and defeating Northern Illinois 17-10 in 2008.

Louisiana Tech opened the 2003 season at Independence Stadium as the Bulldogs played host to five-time national champion Miami on Aug. 28, 2003, in a nationally televised game on ESPN.

Independence Stadium originally opened as State Fair Stadium in 1925. It has gone through numerous renovations and expansions over the years with the most recent being the installation of FieldTurf in late 2010.

Accessibility

Ticket holders needing handicap assistance to their seats can use the elevators located on the west and south sides of Independence Stadium, and golf carts will be available at the bottom of the ramps to assist east side ticket holders.

Directions

From the West on I-20Take I-20 east to the Jewella Avenue or Hearne Avenue exits. Take either exit and turn left. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances.

From the East on I-20Take I-20 west to the Hearne Avenue or Jewella Avenue exits. Take either exit and turn right. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances.

From the South on I-49Take I-20 west towards Dallas. Take either the Hearne Avenue or Jewella Avenue exits and turn right. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances.

Parking

Please contact Chris Giordano with the State Fair of Louisiana at (318) 635-1361 to purchase parking passes for the Oct. 13 game at Independence Stadium. Some parking availability and prices are listed below. Fans are urged to purchase parking passes in advance.

A special lot conveniently located northeast of Independence Stadium, the White Lot, has been reserved for tailgate parties. To make reservations for tailgating space contact the State Fair Office at (318) 635-1361. Grass Tailgate Areas can be purchased through the State Fair Office and the price depends on the amount of space. Charter buses and limousine passes are $50 each and can also be purchased through the State Fair Office.

Tobacco Policy

Current Louisiana State Laws prohibit smoking inside Independence Stadium. Anyone who wishes to smoke will be allowed to exit the stadium. Fans will be directed to gate personnel who will hole punch their ticket and stamp their hand. The punched ticket stub and that hand stamp will be required for re-entry into the stadium. Smoking is prohibited inside the stadium and within 25 feet of any gate. This will be enforced by Shreveport Police. PA announcer will make periodic announcements and this information will be included in all pre-game announcements.

Will Call

The Louisiana Tech Box Office and Will Call will open five hours prior to kickoff. Will Call will be located on the North East side of the stadium. Fans must pay to park or park beside the Silver Lot attendant and walk to the box office. State Fair personnel will help to direct fans to the correct parking lots.

The Texas A&M Box Office and Will Call will be located on the North West side of the stadium.